CIAO Newsletter 3/2018 July-December 2018 Embassy of Malaysia, Italy

Embassy of Malaysia hosted the 61st National Day Reception of Malaysia on 26 September 2018. It was attended by members of the diplomatic community, Italian government officials and private sectors and in Italy. In his remark, Dato’ Malik hopes that the Malaysia-Italy relations would escalate further.

On 16 September 2018, TYT Dato’ Malik organized the Malaysian Day celebration with Malaysians residing in Italy at Rumah Malaysia. The celebration was attended by almost 60 people. Malaysians sang the Negaraku followed by a cake cutting ceremony. It was a good gathering as Malaysians could mingle amongst themselves and at the same time enjoy the wonderful Malaysian cuisine prepared.

MALAYSIA – ITALY SENIOR OFFICIALS

BILATERAL CONSULTATIONS, ROME 2018

On 2 August 2018, the Senior Officials Bilateral Consultations were held at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The Malaysian delegation was led by H.E. Raja Dato’ Nushirwan Zainal Abidin, Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia, while the Italian side was led by H.E. Massimo Gaiani, Director General Global Affairs. The consultation was fruitful and both parties were glad to convene this meeting since the last time in 2009. Prior to the consultations, H.E. Raja Dato’ Nushirwan called on H.E. Elisabetta Belloni, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Italy.

On 8 August 2018, H.E. Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino as the current Chairman of ASEAN Community in Rome (ACR) hosted the 51st Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the Embassy of Malaysia in Italy. In Italy, there are six ASEAN Embassies namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Mrs. Valentina Muiesan from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Italy, ASEAN diplomats and all HBS also attended the celebration. The ASEAN Day celebration is held yearly in Rome, Italy since the inception of ACR in February 2011.

The ACR with Festival Della Diplomazia jointly organized the ASEAN Children’s’ Day on 18 October 2018 at the Casa dei Bimbi Library in Rome. Each ASEAN embassies were tasked to organize a game or presentation to highlight their country to the children. There were around 30 children at the age of 8-10 years old. With the assistance of Mrs. Florence Nanthia and her colleagues, the programme begin at 10am and ended at 1pm

On 25 September 2018, Dato’ Malik officiated the Music in the Air event showcasing Malaysia’s very own Soprano singer, Ms Cecilia Yap in Ostia, Rome. She sang along Mr Samuel Lim (baritone) & Mr Soon Koon Ming (pianist). The event was organized by Tourism Malaysia in collaboration with Municipality X Rome

On 10 October 2018, TYT Dato’ Malik called on HE Guiseipi Germani, Mayor of Orvieto, Umbria. They discussed areas of cooperation between the Embassy and Orvieto. TYT Dato’ Malik also visited Vetrya, a leading Italian Digital and multimedia company in Orvieto which is also based in Malaysia to discussed on future collaborations.

On 13 October 2018, the Embassy together with PERWAKILAN Rome organized the Hari Sukan Negara (National Sports Day). This event is held yearly to promote healthy lifestyle and at the same time foster closer relations between Malaysians. TYT Dato’ Malik gave his remarks to officiate the event. The activities held were badminton, sepak takraw, group aerobics & karaoke. TYT Dato’ Malik highlighted that such sporting event is to inculcate healthy life style & is important to build stronger relations between Malaysians abroad, Two Malaysian hockey players, Fatin & Aini currently playing for Butterfly Roma Hockey team also attended.

The Embassy of Malaysia together with Festival Della Diplomazia jointly organized the Malaysia & Italy: Trade & Tourism seminar at the Embassy on 19 October 2018. The event was to create awareness about Malaysia’s trade and tourism to the Italian public. Among the panelist for the talk on Malaysia’s trade was Professor Romeo Orlandi from Italy- ASEAN Association, Mr Antonino Laspina from Italian Trade Agency and Mr Niccolo Patrone from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Italy. Ms Vincenza Adreini from Tourism Malaysia Milan spoke on Malaysia’s tourism industry. The event followed with a dinner reception

On 9 November 2018, YBhg. Datuk Isham Ishak, Secretary General of Ministry of International Trade and Industry led a working visit to Milan for Malaysia-Italy Trade and Investment Mission (TIM). The delegation comprises of Dato’ Azman Mahmud, CEO Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Dato’ Wan Latiff Wan Musa, Deputy CEO Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and 12 government and private sector officials. TYT Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Ambassador of Malaysia to Republic of Italy also participated in the TIM and business meetings. The seminar was attended by over 160 Italian business participants and 55 business meetings were organized between Malaysian and Italian business representatives.

TYT Dato’ Malik presented his credentials to H.E Gilbert F. Houngbo, President of International Fund for Agriculture Development today. TYT Dato’ Malik also discussed on future closer cooperation between Malaysia and IFAD.

TYT Dato’ Malik as the Chairman of ASEAN Committee in Rome (ACR) organized the ACR Bowling at Roma Bowl on 11 October 2018. The event was attend by all 6 ASEAN Embassies and their families.

YB Datuk Liew Vui Keong, Minister in Prime Minister’s Office (Law and Parliamentary Affairs) undertook a working visit in Rome to attend the 11th International Meeting of Justice Ministers entitled, ‘A World Without Death Penalty’ organized by Community of Sant Egidio on 28-30 November 2018. During the session at the Italian Parliament, YB Minister spoke at length about Malaysia’s journey towards abolishing the mandatory death penalty. At the sidelines, YB Minister spoke to H.E. Alfonso Bonafede, Italian Justice Minister on Malaysia’s journey towards abolishing the death penalty. The YB Minister also attended an event organized by Community of Sant Egidio at the Colosseum.

From 3-4 December 2018, H.E. Manlio di Stefano, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Italy under took a working visit to Malaysia. He called on YB Dato’ Marzuki Yahya, Deputy Foreign Minister of Malaysia, YB Suh Sim, Minister of Primary Industries, YB Ong Kian Ming, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry and YB Puan Haja , Minister of Housing. H.E. Di Stefano also officiated the entry in operation of the AW189 Leonardo Helicopters for Bomba Malaysia. Photo Gallery

TYT Dato’ Malik hosted Roma Butterfly Hockey Club team at his residence with authentic Malaysian cuisines. The club’s President Mr Marco Grossi presented TYT Dato’ with a hockey stick signed by all players. Two Malaysian players Aini & Fatin we’re present too. Luncheon hosted by TYT Dato’ Malik for Mr Ugo Astuto, Deputy Director General, Asia Pacific Division, MFA Italy and officials with Embassy’s home based staffs. We bid farewell for Mr Niccolò Patrone as he embarks in new posting.

TYT Dato’ Malik hosted a Christmas and Year End Party for all Home Based & Local Staffs on 18 December 2018

TYT Dato’ Malik with Hon. Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic and H.E. Enzo Moavero Milanesi, Foreign Minister of Italy at the Presidential Palace for Christmas & New Year audience with the Honorable Italian President

The Embassy of Malaysia and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Italy had a friendly football match. TYT Dato’ Malik received a memento from H.E. Luca Sabbatucchi, Director General of Human Resource.

TYT Dato’ Malik delivered a joint statement on behalf of the Asia Regional Group, during the 160th Session of FAO council in Rome. He was accompanied by Mr. Muhammad Rudy Khairudin, Agriculture Attaché. TYT Dato’ Malik attended the graduation ceremony organized by Guardia di Finanza for 10 ASEAN Senior Police officials, including Malaysia held in Ostia,Italy

TYT Dato’ Malik called on H.E. Manlio di Stefano, Undersecretary of State, to discuss on bilateral, regional and mutual cooperation matters.

TYT Dato’ Malik visited EDA Industries SpA today for potential investment in Malaysia. Dato’ Malik was accompanied by Mr Awangku, Director of Milan Director & Mr Faizal, Director of MATRADE Milan

TYT Dato’ Malik and Captain Noor Zukhi attended a presentation organized by Commonwealth Club Italy on collaboration between Italian businesses & Commonwealth countries.

VISA APPLICATION TO MALAYSIA

The following documents are required for application of an entry visa:

1. Completed visa form (Please refer to the front page at Download section).

The visa form - IM.47-Pin 1/97 should be printed on both side of an A4 paper

2. Passport or travel document with minimum validity of six (6) months

3. Two (2) recent passport-sized photographs

4. Reservation of return air-ticket

5. Reservation of accommodation in Malaysia

6. Original permit of stay (Carta di Identita) in Italy

7. Visa fees according to the citizenship (please contact the Consular Section)

The process of visa takes three (3) working day provided that all documents are in order.

The Embassy of Malaysia in Italy wishes all a very Happy New Year!